We live in a world dominated by fast pace. The enormity of content being released every day and the ability to access anything, anywhere, at any time leads to a fleeting survival time. In response to this environment, booming Munich based duo Innellea have decided to create something that can shine for longer. In the midst of a whirlwind of success in 2019 – including appearances on major bills like Fusion Festival and Diynamic Festival and continued DJ support from the likes of Dixon, Solomon, Keinemusik, Edu Imbernon, Rufus Du Sol – they have released one hour of exclusive productions with their ‘Afterlife Voyage’ podcast. It is what they are calling, “an album that is not an album”. We had a chat with them on their journey so far, the state of the music industry and more..

WWD : How do you feel your project and sound has evolved or changed since you guys came together in 2014?

So the whole project has become much more professional. It has changed from spontaneous decisions without a concrete goal to a clear vision. Musically we used to stuff our songs with a lot of elements back in the days. Now we try to focus on less elements and to place them perfectly in the mix of a track. We still love melodies, strong basslines and crazy arrangements.

WWD : What was it that brought you together initially?

We both where highly motivated in transferring our thoughts into music and share it with people. 

WWD : If you had to pick your favourite three productions of your own to play recently, what would you choose?

It’s impossible for us to choose three songs. Every song is an expression for itself and we like all of them a lot as they tell different stories. But it is always a great feeling to play out our newest production and to see how people react to it.

WWD : The set you have prepared for Afterlife is full of your own original compositions, many of which won’t be released. How do you decide what you will release and when and why will you not be releasing many of these tracks?

We live in a world dominated by fast pace. Smartphones, the Internet and the ability to access anything, anywhere, at any time leads to an enormously short survival time – even for releases in the music industry. That’s why we’ve chosen to create something that can keep its shine for a long time. 1 hour of exclusive productions. An album that is not an album.

WWD : Who are some of your favourite artists to play at the moment?

There are so many good artists out there it would be unfair just to name a few.

WWD : If you guys could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Olafur Eliasson. A Danish artist who primarily deals with physical phenomena. 

WWD : What are your thoughts on the current state of music retail and streaming and what do you see for the future for people trying to make a career out of music?

As mentioned above, the future will be more and more short-lived. Streaming services are pushing the industry into a corner where everything has to be short and functional. We are still trying to resist it. For artists, this means having to do something completely different or special in order to stand out.

We live in a world dominated by fast pace. The ability to access anything, anywhere, at any time leads to an enormously short survival time – even for releases in the music industry. That’s why we’ve chosen to create something that can keep its shine for a longer time.

WWD : Where do you guys get the majority of your music?

Searching and listening to music has always been a big part of our passion. Meanwhile we are privileged and get many promos sent to us. Let’s say it’s 70% promo and 30% digging as we are more focused on producing originals at the moment. 

WWD : What have been your favourite areas in the world to tour to? Where would you guys like to play that you haven’t yet and why?

Through travelling, friendships have developed from partnerships. We are always looking forward to meeting our friends all over the world again and enjoying a good time with them. We haven’t been to the USA and South America yet, but we are looking forward to it!

WWD : What are some of the things you do when you need a break from music or to find new inspiration?

Spending time with family and friends provides us with new energy and inspiration. Furthermore, walks through the forest, sports of all kinds and nature give us a clear head.

WWD :  What role do you think DJs, music and parties play in todays society and what do you feel are the most valuable aspects to your work?

DJ’s and musicians have been around for a very long time. For us they are definitely indispensable. Everybody is so focused his job, on success and forgets to have a good time in his life. This is where music and nightlife come into play for us. We give people the opportunity to let go, let loose and just enjoy the evening. It’s about an overall concept in which light music and human beings merge into one, doesn’t matter where they are from or what they believe in.

WWD : Since releasing music with Afterlife, Innervisions and many other major labels, your demand has sky rocketed. How do you guys decide which gigs to play and which to pass on?

We would love to realize everything, but unfortunately this is not possible. We work closely with our management and our booking agency to transfer our vision and play as many shows as possible.

WWD : What do you guys feel are the biggest advantages and disadvantages to producing and playing as a duo?

It’s so nice to be able to share our experiences with each other. Also unpleasant moments like long waiting times at the airport or unusual trains are definitely more pleasant to get through together. To be honest, there are no disadvantages for us!

WWD : What are some of your most valued pieces of equipment in your set up and why?

Arturia Minibrute, no question! We have had this synthesizer for more than 4 years now and it can be heard in almost every one of our productions. 

WWD : What are some of the things you guys are looking forward to over the coming year?

We never get enough of sharing our music with people. This is the biggest thing for us and therefore the thing we look forward to the most in the future.

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